History of the PEI YCA

The Prince Edward Island Youth Chess Association (PEI YCA) is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting scholastic chess (grades K to 12) throughout the province. We strongly believe in the benefits of chess for children in developing their problem solving skills and building character. Studies have shown that chess enhances a student’s math and analytical abilities as well as their literacy.

Our board of directors consists of school teachers, experienced chess organizers, and dedicated parents. Our activities include monthly tournaments in Charlottetown, three annual championships (team and individual), a summer day camp, and numerous instructional classes and mini-camps during the school year. We have also held competitions in Summerside, Montague and Souris. We also support chess clubs in schools with our Chess Club-in-a-Box program.

The PEI YCA was founded in 1989 by Mike England of Summerside, with the main purpose of organizing the provincial competition for the Canadian Chess Challenge. The association is affiliated with the Chess'n Math Association, the national scholastic chess organization. Over the years, other prominent members of the PEI YCA have been Ron Casey (Summerside), Catherine Innis-Parker (Charlottetown), and Fred McKim (Charlottetown). In 1999, the association hosted the national finals of the Canadian Chess Challenge in Summerside.